The beginning of the Houston Texans’ regular season is no where near. However, on Thursday the NFL released the schedules of every team’s preseason games and opponents. The Texans are set to face some formidable opponents this year with games against the San Francisco 49ers, New Orleans Saints, Arizona Cardinals and the Dallas Cowboys, with the Cardinals game being nationally televised.

San Francisco 49ers defensive tackle Arik Armstead (69) in action against the Houston Texans in a preseason NFL football game at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

With the first game against the 49ers, Texans fans will have their first look at the new quarterback, Brock Osweiler, in a real game setting. Even if it is a preseason game, fans have something to look forward to. This is the beginning a new era of Texans football, in which the quarterback position is undoubted. We will also have a chance to check out new Texans running back Lamar Miller.

The preseason also sets up opportunity for joint practices between the Texans and their opposing teams. Texans coach Bill O’Brien is known for arranging joint practices and has done so in each preseason since 2014 when he first became apart of the team. The Texans have faced the Saints in preseason eight times in the past nine years. Last year the teams coordinated a joint practice, but the Saints backed out shortly after the Texans were selected to appear on the 2015 season of HBO’s “Hard Knocks.”

The Houston Texans players huddles during joint practice with the Washington Redskins as part of day eight of training camp at Bon Secours Washington Redskins Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-USA TODAY Sports

With the Texans being no strangers to the limelight, it comes as no surprise that their preseason game against the Cardinals would be nationally televised. The team is on the up and up. And with the Cardinals being contenders for the NFC Championship last season, this could be the Texans’ most critical and telling game of the preseason. Will the Texans led by up-and-coming Osweiler be able to stand up to the heat? Everyone is dying to find out.

And, of course, there is the final game of the preseason against the Cowboys. It all comes down to the never-ending argument between Texas football fans as to which is the best NFL team in the state. It’s always a personal vendetta for Houston and Dallas fans alike. Things get a little rowdy at these games, and though it’s not at all likely that we will see any starters, the tension between the two teams will make for a fun game.

About Brandi Medrano

I am a Junior at the University of Houston, majoring in journalism, and an active member of the Houston Press street team. I am an avid fan of the NFL! My favorite team is the Houston Texans. And while I love Houston sports, I love the Indianapolis Colts and Philadelphia Eagles as well. You can follow me on twitter @brandirmedrano.